Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to pay for your medical bills and lost wages when you are injured on the job. But sometimes, obtaining workers’ compensation is easier said than done. The insurance company may deny or reject your claim over a minor technicality. If this happens to you, hiring a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer at Munley Law can make a difference.
For over 65 years, Munley Law has been helping injured workers throughout Pennsylvania with their work injuries. We understand the complicated process and know what tricks the insurance company can use to deny or delay your claim. With a certified workers’ compensation specialist on staff, we will work hard to make sure you receive the workers’ comp benefits you need.
If you are having trouble with your workers’ compensation claim, Munley Law’s personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless your case is settled.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident in Pennsylvania
What you do after an accident at work matters. Here are the steps you need to take to secure your workers’ compensation benefits:
Seek Medical Care: Your first step is caring for your well-being. It’s important to go to the hospital or urgent care right after the accident. You must have a medical record of your injuries following the accident for your claim.
Report Your Injury: When you can, report the accident to your supervisor or employer to start the workers’ compensation paperwork. When filling out the incident report, provide as much detail as possible on the accident, your injury, and whether there were witnesses. Pennsylvania law states that you must inform your supervisor of your accident within 120 days. Even if you don’t think you were injured, it’s essential to let your employer know if complications should arise in the future.
Document Evidence Thoroughly: It can be beneficial to keep a record of what happened. Keep detailed notes about your injury, including date, time, location, and witnesses. If possible, take photos of your injury and the accident scene. Retain copies of all medical records, test results, prescriptions, and related expenses.
File Claim Forms Quickly: Keep copies of all submitted documentation and promptly respond to any additional information requests from the insurance company.
Continue Medical Treatment: Your employer will provide a list of healthcare providers approved by your company’s workers’ compensation insurance. You must use one of these providers for the first 90 days. Follow all prescribed treatments — not doing so could result in your claim being denied.
Attend Independent Medical Evaluation (IME): An independent medical evaluation, or IME for short, is usually conducted by a neutral doctor to provide an opinion about your injury. If the insurance company requires an IME, cooperate fully while protecting your rights.
If you need guidance, an experienced attorney from Munley Law can help you navigate Pennsylvania laws, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation payments. Contact our law firm’s office today for a free consultation.
When Would You Need Our Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorneys?
If your claim was processed successfully and the insurance company is paying all your expenses, then a workers’ comp lawyer is probably not necessary. However, there are times when an attorney is needed, especially in the following cases:
- Your injury is severe and will prevent you from working for an extended period
- Your claim is denied or delayed
- You will need Social Security benefits in addition to your workers’ comp
- You have a pre-existing condition worsened by your injury
- The insurer requires an independent medical exam
- You plan to file a third-party lawsuit, such as a product liability claim or a car accident case
An experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer at Munley Law can protect your rights and guide you through the process. Contact our law firm’s office today for a free consultation. We only collect a fee if we win your case.
Questions? Read our workers’ compensation guide.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available for PA Employees?
Several types of workers’ compensation benefits are available following a workplace injury in Pennsylvania:
Medical Care: Workers’ compensation is meant to cover all medical expenses related to your injury, including doctor visits, ER trips, medications, lab tests, medical devices (like wheelchairs), and ongoing care. There’s no set limit; your claim should fully cover co-pays and deductibles.
Wage Loss: If your injury causes you to miss work, you will receive wage loss benefits. You can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly pay.
Specific Loss: If your injury resulted in permanent scarring, disfigurement, limb loss, or impaired use of a body part, you will receive what’s known as specific loss benefits. Even if you can return to work, you will receive benefits for a set time.
Death: If an injury leads to death within 300 weeks, eligible family members, such as spouses, minor children, dependent adult children, or parents, may receive death benefits. Policy coverage also covers reasonable burial expenses (up to $3,000). Lawsuits must be submitted within three years of the worker’s passing.
Need assistance with your workers’ compensation case? Contact Munley Law’s experienced lawyers today for a free consultation. Our attorneys and staff will ensure you receive thorough representation and all the financial support you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
Pennsylvania Employees Most at Risk of a Workplace Injury
According to Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Annual Report, the legal system paid over $2.8 billion to injured staff members in 2024, receiving 165,985 injury reports. The industries experiencing the most on-the-job injuries include:
Manufacturing and Warehouse Operations
Manufacturing and warehouse employment sectors, such as Amazon warehouses, have high rates of injury cases due to heavy machinery and hazardous materials. Team members often experience severe injuries from machinery malfunctions, inadequate safety measures, and poor training. Labor within these environments also exposes workers to occupational illnesses from chemical exposure, causing respiratory conditions and chronic health issues.
Construction Worker Injuries
Construction firms remain among Pennsylvania’s most hazardous workplaces, with falls from heights as a top cause of fatalities. Additional significant risks include injuries from falling objects, machinery-related accidents, electrocution, and trench collapses, OSHA’s recognized “Fatal Four.” Injured workers frequently experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, and chronic musculoskeletal problems.
Healthcare and Social Assistance Workers
Healthcare workers experience nearly double the injury rate compared to other industries, often requiring specialized legal support. Routine patient handling leads to frequent back injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. Workplace violence, especially in emergency departments, contributes significantly to physical and psychological trauma among healthcare workers. Healthcare workplaces expose individuals to biological hazards such as infectious diseases and needlestick injuries.
Transportation and Logistics Employees
Transportation incidents remain a leading cause of fatalities in Pennsylvania. Employees face risks such as highway collisions, driver fatigue, injuries during loading and unloading, slip and fall incidents, and repetitive strain. Severe weather conditions exacerbate these dangers, especially during the winter months.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits For the Mining Industry
Pennsylvania’s mining sector experiences significant injury risks, including underground roof collapses, industrial accidents, and respiratory hazards like black lung disease. Despite strict regulatory oversight and local and federal laws, employment in mining continues to pose substantial risks to workers.
Contact Munley Law offices today for a free consultation about your case. Our experienced legal team provides comprehensive legal services and effective representation to ensure you receive all available entitlements under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, including potential lump sum settlements.
Who Pays My Workers’ Comp If I’m In a Union?
Even if you are a union worker, your employer is required to provide workers’ compensation benefits. Your union may be able to help you with the process or provide information if you need a better explanation of the process. Your union representative may also be able to help obtain documents for your claim, such as the incident report. If you are a union member and still need help with your claim, you should still reach out to an experience workers’ compensation lawyer at Munley Law to learn your options.
Contact our workers’ comp attorneys for a free consultation.
Filing a Third-Party Compensation Case After a Work Injury
Workers’ comp insurers provide entitlements without the need to sue your employer. Specific job injuries in Pennsylvania involve third-party liability, meaning someone other than your employer may be responsible. For example, defective machinery that leads to injury could result in a case against the equipment manufacturer. These cases can be pursued alongside your standard workers’ comp case.
At Munley Law, our lawyers have successfully represented many clients in third-party cases, including securing a $12 million settlement for a client injured in a forklift accident.
Contact our workers’ compensation lawyer at Munley Law today for a free consultation. Our dedicated legal team will guide you through your legal options to ensure maximum recovery and wage loss entitlements, including potential lump sum settlements, under Pennsylvania law.
Common Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
Can Injured Workers Sue Their Company?
No. Workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania provide injured workers with benefits without requiring a lawsuit. The workers’ comp system is designed as a no-fault program, meaning you don’t need to prove employer negligence, just that the injury occurred during employment. Due to this system, workers cannot take their employers to court for an injury.
Do Workplace Injury Victims Need to Prove Fault?
No, Pennsylvania is a no-fault state regarding accidents on the job. Workplace injuries qualify for entitlements if they occur during your job duties. The only exceptions involve self-inflicted injuries, substance abuse, or criminal activities. This streamlined system ensures injured employees swiftly receive medical care and wage loss entitlements.
What if Insurance Companies Deny My Workers’ Compensation Case?
There are many reasons why the insurance company may deny your workers’ comp case. Often, the reason is that you have a pre-existing injury, or the insurer believes the injury was not the result of an on-the-job accident. You can file an appeal if the insurance company denies your workers’ comp claim. Speak with an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ comp attorney to help you with your appeal.
What If A Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Delayed?
If your case faces unnecessary delays from your employer or their insurer, you may file a penalty petition. Penalties may include up to 50 percent of overdue benefits, interest, attorney fees, and potential lump sum settlements. Our work injury attorneys can help you file this petition.
For more information, check out our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation guide.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
For over 65 years, the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers at Munley Law have been helping injured workers throughout the Keystone State. We know how complex the workers’ comp process can be and all the tricks the insurance companies can play to prevent you from receiving your benefits. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to receive your fair compensation, so contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee for our services until your case is settled. Call today.
